Route announced for USA Pro Challenge

Cyclists race through Denver, competing in the final stage in 2011, the first year of the event.

(CPR/Megan Verlee)

Organizers have announced the route through Colorado for the fourth annual USA Pro Challenge, one of the top cycling races in the country.

Aspen will be the starting line on August 18, with cyclists wrapping up in Denver’s Civic Center Park August 24.

“We’ve set out to create the greatest professional cycling event in the U.S. with the USA Pro Challenge,” Rick Schaden, owner of the race, says. “The 2014 route will be a challenge for the riders and will provide plenty of great viewing opportunities for the spectators. This year is looking like it will be the best yet.”

The USA Pro Challenge will visit Aspen, Crested Butte and Gunnison in the first several days, with the first-ever mountain finish on Monarch Mountain to conclude Stage 3. Then the race shifts to Colorado Springs before heading back to higher elevations in Woodland Park, Breckenridge and Vail.

Organizers say some of the largest crowds for previous races have been in Boulder, Golden and Denver, so those three cities will be part of the final day.

The race has attracted some of the best cyclists in the world, including top finishers in the Tour de France.